Podcasting

Podcasting is the distribution of audio or video files over the Internet using an RSS (Real Simple Syndication) feed.  RSS enables people to subscribe to a particular podcast and have it automatically download any new podcasts that come out. 

Podcasting has been associated with Apple Computer and iPods.  The name podcast comes from iPod and broadcast, meaning a broadcast that can be played on an iPod.  However, podcasting requires neither an Apple computer nor an iPod.  A podcast can be downloaded to any computer that has an RSS feeder to subscribe to the podcast.  A podcast will play on most MP3 players, although it doesn’t even require one to listen. 

It does not require a lot of fancy equipment to create a podcast.  The most basic podcast is a simple MP3 audio file that can be recorded with a regular microphone attached to your computer. 

Both Podcasting and streaming media allow audio and video files to be made available.  The primary difference with Podcasting is that, with a Podcast, the file is actually downloaded to the viewer’s machine and they can then keep it.  With streaming media, the file does not download to the viewer’s machine.  For materials that are copyright protected, or that are very large files, streaming is the best solution.  For materials that are not copyright protected, or that the faculty member does not mind the student’s keeping, a podcast may be a good solution.

At UGA, we are currently working on a pilot project for podcasting.  For more information, please fill out this form.

Your Name:
 

E-Mail Address:

Phone Number:  

Your status:
Faculty
Staff
Student
Teaching Assistant
Other

Your account ID on the streaming server: (if any)

Please fill in your questions or comments below.